Acceptance into the Music Department requires both a successful audition and academic acceptance by the University.
Applications for admission to the University are available at the Admissions web page or by contacting the UMass Amherst Admissions Center:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
University of Massachusetts Amherst
37 Mather Drive
Amherst, MA 01003-9291
Tel: (413) 545-0222
email: mail@admissions.umass.edu
UMass Amherst applications must be received by the appropriate deadline: October 1 for spring semester; January 15 for fall semester. For transfer students, the application deadline is April 15.
High school seniors and college transfer students who satisfy the University's admission standards, and current UMass Amherst students, are accepted into the music program on the basis of auditions. Auditions are held on campus on announced dates throughout the school year.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, or veteran status, in any aspect of the admission or treatment of students or in employment.
UMass Amherst Audition dates for 2012-13: (for graduate or undergrad applicants)
All Instruments & Voice (EXCEPT Strings - violin, viola, cello, double bass):
Saturdays:
December 1, 2012 (Suggested date for "early action" applicants)
February 2, 2013
February 16, 2013
March 2, 2013 (INCLUDES STRINGS; Suggested last date for non-transfer Fall applicants)
March 30, 2013 (Transfers only)
Violin, viola, cello, double bass only:
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 (Suggested date for "early action" applicants)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013 (with ALL Instruments)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 (Transfer applicants- strings)
Students should schedule an audition as early as possible, and may do so even before submitting the application for academic acceptance. Auditions may take place prior to academic acceptance to the University; however, Music Department faculty cannot hear an audition unless a University application has been submitted.
The form is available online (submitted electronically). Alternatively, the Department can mail you the appropriate forms to fill out and mail back; contact the Admissions Director (413-545-6048, cthornley@music.umass.edu) to request forms.
Please see AUDITION REQUIREMENTS for specific requirements for your instrument or voice, for general audition guidelines, and for studio professor contact information.
All undergraduate music majors pursue a common core of course work in theory, aural skills, and history, receive private voice or instrumental lessons, and perform in an appropriate large ensemble. In addition, each area of concentration requires specific courses for graduation.
All undergraduate degree programs require an audition or its equivalent for admission. (Keyboard Music Education applicants must also audition on a secondary instrument or voice.)
For specific course requirements for each area of concentration, please see the Music Programs & Degrees page or the Undergraduate Handbook, or contact the appropriate Area of Concentration Program Director.
We welcome visits by prospective students and their families and can arrange meetings with faculty and students, attendance at classes and rehearsals, and tours. Please contact the Department (Chris Thornley, cthornley@music.umass.edu, 413-545-6048) in advance to schedule an appointment.
One of the best music schools/departments in Massachusetts and in New England, offering graduate and undergraduate Music Education, Jazz, Performance, Music History and Music Theory degrees and programs.
